HITTER TO WATCH:

Cuban defector Alexei Ramirez could show up at second base at some point this year; he's athletic and has quick wrists, but his plate discipline isn't good and his defense at second needs work.

PITCHER TO WATCH:

The Sox won't have a rookie on their Opening Day roster, but curveball specialist Lance Broadway and sinkerballer Jack Egbert will be in Triple-A waiting for an opportunity in the rotation.
-- Keith Law, Scouts Inc.

JUST THE FACTS

• The Orlando Cabrera deal was shortsighted. GM Kenny Williams sacrificed pitching depth in swapping Jon Garland for Cabrera, but it was necessary. "Cabrera is tons better defensively than what they've had at short," says one scout. "Plus, he could become the vocal leader they've needed."
• The pen is supposed to be mightier. The Sox spent $30 million on Scott Linebrink and Octavio Dotel in the hopes of lowering a 5.47 bullpen ERA.
• Nick Swisher gets left out. He'd be better suited playing first base, but the Sox haven't found a suitor for the available Paul Konerko. Meanwhile, Swisher won't help the outfield D.
• The South Side Hit Men live again. The Sox boast five regulars capable of hitting 30 dingers, augmented by the homer-haven known as The Cell.

HEARSAY

"Ozzie [Guillen] keeps saying he's going to be tougher and send a message," says an AL scout. "It's like verbal testosterone. It's entertaining, but I don't know if it will make a difference."

HOUSE CALL

"If Ozzie were a congressman, even the sergeant at arms would stay out of his way. He lets people know what's on his mind, and he's fiercely competitive. He has that Chicago spirit." -- Danny Davis, R-Ill.
-- Buster Olney

How many games will the White Sox win in 2008? Do they have the top lineup, rotation, bullpen or manager in their division? Did they do the best job improving their team in the offseason with the acquisitions of Nick Swisher and Orlando Cabrera? Register your vote.

AL Central poll page

SLEEPER

Between the majors and minors in 2007, Josh Fields belted 33 homers with 104 RBIs. His power is legit, even if his batting average is a tad underwhelming.

BUST

Mark Buehrle's ERA and WHIP might have improved last season, but his peripheral numbers really weren't much better than in his poor 2006. Such things tend to even out.
-- Tristan Cockcroft

INJURIES

Joe Crede's chronic back problems are no secret. After trying, and failing, to manage his symptoms conservatively, Crede opted to have back surgery in 2007 when his season ended prematurely because of yet another painful episode. He has been rehabilitating diligently and has played routinely in the field, although his batting numbers have been very average. According to a report on the team's official Web site, Crede is not especially worried about the numbers, yet. More importantly, he has been able to consistently play during the spring and play without pain. If he can continue down that path, he believes the numbers will come. Believe him.
-- Stephania Bell